Poles want to work in the Netherlands

For many years, the Netherlands has remained one of the most popular destinations for Polish labor migration. High wages, the wide availability of job offers, and the possibility of quickly starting employment attract thousands of people every year. However, experts from Smart Solutions HR emphasize that the structure of employment and the approach to working abroad are gradually changing. Fewer Poles are going into fieldwork, while more are choosing jobs in logistics and production, which offer greater stability and predictability, and thus the opportunity for long-term development in a new environment.

Agriculture and horticulture, including fruit and vegetable harvesting or plant care, remain important sectors. However, work in this area requires high availability, physical endurance, and readiness to work in variable weather conditions. For many, this poses a challenge that does not always align with expectations of stability or comfort at work.

That is why logistics and production job offers are becoming increasingly popular. Order picking, parcel sorting, or operating production lines are not limited to just a few months of the year. Jobs are practically available year-round, and employees can count on consistent schedules and longer contracts. This makes the Netherlands attractive not only to those seeking short-term earnings but also to those planning their stay from a longer-term perspective.

— The largest group of candidates currently planning to work in the Netherlands are young Poles, who see it not only as a chance for quick earnings but also as an opportunity to gain their first professional experience and improve their English. They are open to different forms of employment and willing to take on seasonal work, though interest in stable opportunities — in logistics or production — is clearly growing. For them, working abroad is no longer just a way to earn more but also a chance to develop skills and establish themselves in a new environment — says Agnieszka Kukier, recruiter at Smart Solutions HR.

Wages and Benefits: How Does the Netherlands Compare?

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum hourly wage in the Netherlands is €14.40 gross, placing the country clearly above Germany (€12.82) and Belgium (€12.40). This difference is crucial for many Poles taking seasonal jobs, as it allows them to see tangible financial benefits right from the start. Importantly, the minimum wage in the Netherlands is adjusted twice a year — in January and July — providing a sense of stability and reassurance that pay keeps pace with economic changes.

In practice, earnings often exceed the minimum level. In logistics and production, wages typically range from €14.50 to €16.50 gross per hour, with even higher rates for shift work, nights, or weekends. Agriculture and horticulture pay on average €14.40–15.00 gross, but they require greater flexibility and physical effort, which makes warehouse jobs more appealing due to their predictable and stable financial conditions.

The Dutch system of bonuses further enhances job attractiveness. Higher rates for night or weekend work, as well as shift allowances, mean that monthly earnings are noticeably higher than the base rate. Another important element is the holiday allowance — 8% of annual gross salary, paid once a year — which serves as an additional incentive. As a result, total income for Polish workers in the Netherlands remains competitive compared to other European markets, even though the cost of living is higher than in Germany or Belgium.

Seasonal Work Abroad: A Declining Trend

According to the latest Polish Labor Market Barometer, only 11% of Poles chose seasonal work abroad in 2025. This is a small share, especially compared to past years when such trips were seen as one of the easiest ways to earn quickly and gain experience. Currently, as many as 69% of respondents declared they had not considered this option at all, while another 21% had planned to go abroad but ultimately gave up and stayed in Poland. These figures clearly show that seasonal work abroad is no longer a mass phenomenon but rather a choice made by specific social groups.

Demographic differences are striking. Women are more likely than men to opt out of working abroad — 72% versus 66% declaring no interest. The highest openness is observed among young people aged 18–24 — one-third considered going abroad, although they ultimately did not follow through. In older age groups, seasonal migration is practically nonexistent: among people over 55, only about 8% admitted they had ever considered such an option. These differences illustrate that seasonal work abroad is increasingly becoming the domain of younger generations, who view it as a transitional stage rather than a permanent part of a career path.

The profile of those going abroad for seasonal work is also clearly changing. Among candidates, the youngest age groups entering the labor market dominate — pupils and students just beginning to gain professional experience. For them, a trip to the Netherlands is often the first step into adulthood: a chance to test themselves away from their family home, learn independence, and build confidence in a new environment. Another important motivation is the desire to discover a different culture and work in an international setting, which helps develop both social and personal skills.

The Role of Employment Agencies

Employment agencies play a crucial role in seasonal work placements. They are responsible not only for legal contracts and regulatory compliance but also for accommodation, transport, and administrative and language support. This allows Poles to go to the Netherlands with a sense of security and stability, which is especially important in the first weeks of employment. Employers, on the other hand, gain access to vetted and well-prepared candidates who adapt quickly to a new environment and are ready to work from day one.

It is currently estimated that Poles make up about one-quarter of all EU migrants in the Netherlands. Nearly 400,000 Poles now live in the country, with half working temporarily thanks to employment agencies. This demonstrates how significant this employment model is for the functioning of the market — without intermediaries, many people simply would not be able to take advantage of opportunities abroad.

— Job opportunities in the Netherlands today are truly diverse. Seasonal work is increasingly becoming the start of a longer career path rather than just a short episode. Employment agencies play a key role in this process — from providing legal contracts and housing to language and administrative support. Thanks to this, employees can feel secure and focus on professional development, while employers gain reliable and motivated candidates, allowing them to respond flexibly to market needs — says Grażyna Pogan, Business Development Manager at Smart Solutions HR.

Sources: Polish Labor Market Barometer by Personnel Service, Smart Solutions HR’s own research and data.